CUENCA-ECUDORS BEAUTIFUL CITY

In a city where there are almost more churches than sqares to put them in...Cuenca takes the prize in being one of the most beautiful cities in all of Ecuador. Perched above two rivers, the historicc section above the T river is laid out much llike colonial times with tree lined squares centered around cathadrals or historic chches. The modern side of the city across the ? river and stetcheing up the Andes has 8 universities and colleges to educate the residents.

Around every turn in the Old town is a historic building or turn of the century convent, or musuem or tourist point of inteeest. Classical and spanish style ballads ring out from loud speakers in Calderon Square....that is in between teh clanging of the bells from all thhe churches. he city is a cacophy of sounds from the street vendors laughter to the bird calls that signal the traffic light changes on each street corner.

It is in Cuenca that the original Panama Hat originated. The straw hats made here were exported to Panama during the building of Panama canal.when the Panama canal was visited by Teddy roosevelt he wanted one too and with his picture featured on newspaper covers around the world...these hats, made in Cuenca were mega popular and became known as Panama Hats...!